Is a first-aid post a health facility?

Basic first aid by trained first aiders is not, but once nurses or doctors examine or treat people, health-facility rules apply.

Can a company run a staff wellness day without approval?

Informal screening by registered professionals is usually fine, but notify the department if you are drawing blood, vaccinating or treating.

Health

Temporary Healthcare Facility Licence in South Africa

In plain English

Pop-up clinics, event medical stations, mobile screening units and temporary health facilities need approval from the Department of Health under the National Health Act 61 of 2003, and the health professionals working there must be registered with their councils (HPCSA, SANC and others).

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

NGOs running screening days, companies hosting workplace health events, event organisers providing on-site medical stations beyond basic first aid, and practitioners offering services outside their registered rooms.

When is it required

Whenever health services beyond basic first aid are offered to the public at a temporary site — vaccinations, testing, examinations or treatment.

Eligibility

Registered health professionals for all clinical work
A venue meeting basic hygiene, privacy and waste-disposal standards
Medical waste removal arrangements with a licensed contractor

Documents you need before applying

Application or notification to the provincial Department of Health
Registration numbers of participating professionals (HPCSA/SANC)
Floor plan or layout of the temporary facility
Medical waste and sharps disposal contract
Emergency referral plan to the nearest hospital or clinic

Download a printable checklist

A one-page PDF of everything you need to bring with you. Tick items off before you go.

How to apply — step by step

1
Notify the provincial health department
Describe the services, dates and staff. Small screening events may only need notification; treatment services need fuller approval.
2
Confirm professional registrations and indemnity
Every clinician practises under their own registration; confirm professional indemnity covers off-site work.
3
Set up to clinic standards
Privacy screens, cold chain for vaccines, hand hygiene, and documented referral routes are what inspectors look for.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

The provincial Department of Health, with professional registration confirmed via the HPCSA or SANC.

Fees

Notification of small events is often free; licensing of facilities carries prescribed fees.

Processing time

Allow at least 3–4 weeks before the event or opening.

Validity

Typically 6 to 12 months for temporary facilities, renewable on reapplication.

Renewal

Submit a renewal application 60 days before expiry with updated staff, IPC and waste documents. A follow-up inspection is common.

Common mistakes to avoid

No medical waste contract — sharps in normal refuse is a serious offence
Cold-chain failures for vaccines on hot days
Students or unregistered assistants performing clinical acts

Tips to speed up your application

Partner with an existing licensed clinic — running under their oversight simplifies everything

Official sources

Always confirm the latest requirements and fees on the official website before applying.

Frequently asked questions

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